What is a TTRPG? Great question! TTRPG stands for Tabletop Role-Playing Game. You’ve probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons—it’s one of the most popular and well-known examples of the genre. Other favorites include Pathfinder, Shadowrun, and Vampire: The Masquerade.

If those names are new to you, no worries—here’s the gist! TTRPGs are cooperative storytelling games where players create characters and go on adventures together. Typically, one player takes on the role of the Game Master (GM), guiding the story and interpreting the rules that determine actions, outcomes, and challenges.

As you play, your group builds a shared story full of suspense, humor, unexpected twists, and the occasional dramatic consequence. It’s part game, part improv, and all about creativity and collaboration.

TTRPGs have exploded in popularity in recent years—and for good reason! They’re an amazing outlet for creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, character design, and even a little bit of acting. No two games are ever the same.

Why Try a Solo TTRPG?

TTRPGs are usually thought of as group experiences—and they often are—but there’s a whole world of adventures designed just for one player!

Solo TTRPGs offer a flexible, creative way to enjoy the hobby on your own terms. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why would I role-play alone?”—here are a few great reasons:

Skill Building:
Solo play is a fantastic way to learn game mechanics, pacing, and tone. It’s especially helpful for new players who want to build confidence before joining a group.

Flexibility:
Coordinating schedules can be tough. Solo RPGs let you play whenever you want, for as long as you want—no scheduling headaches required.

Freedom:
Chase wild ideas, follow your curiosity, and explore unusual story paths. There’s no need to compromise—the story is entirely yours.

Self-Discovery & Community:
Solo play isn’t about replacing group games—it’s about learning what you enjoy. Discover your preferred playstyle, pacing, and storytelling approach. And when you come together with others, you’ll have even more to share!

Self-Care:
Solo RPGs can be a relaxing and reflective experience. You can even explore real-life challenges through storytelling, gaining new perspectives along the way.

Creativity:
You’re crafting your own journey within a guided framework. It’s structured enough to keep you moving forward, but open enough to let your imagination run wild.

What to Expect from Our Single Player TTRPG Club!

Our Solo TTRPG Club is a unique twist on a traditional game night—think of it like a book club, but instead of reading the same story, everyone is playing their own!

Single player or solo tabletop roleplay games (TTRPGs) are a unique roleplaying experience designed for one player. Most solo TTRPGs offer a more introspective and immersive story meant to be enjoyed at your own leisure. There’s no assignment of a traditional Game Master, and the book will provide you with the guidance you need.

Individually journal your responses to prompts and join in to discuss your adventures in a book club style roleplaying session at Gnome Games Green Bay East.

Players are encouraged to participate however best suits them – journaling, bullet point lists, prose, sketches, or whatever else that fits!

Our First Featured Game: Be Like a Crow

Be Like a Crow is a solo (or two-player) role-playing game where you take on the role of a clever corvid exploring a strange and fascinating world.

Play as a crow, raven, rook, jackdaw, or magpie as you travel through one of six unique settings—urban, cyberpunk, steampunk, fantasy, gothic, or even the Tower of London! Along the way, you’ll complete objectives, encounter other creatures, and collect all sorts of weird and wonderful items.

Our first session will be May 16th 2pm and will continue on Saturdays at 2pm!

Sneak Peek at Future Titles

We’ve got some fantastic games lined up for future club seasons, including:

All Night Breakfast at the Midnight Owl
You’re the creator of a supernatural investigation podcast who’s just moved to a quiet, mysterious town. Strange happenings are everywhere—perfect material for your next big episode… if you can uncover the truth.

Waffles for Esther
You’re a waitress on a simple mission: deliver a fresh plate of waffles to your favorite regular. But when Esther disappears, your routine task turns into a heartfelt mystery that you’re determined to solve.

What is a Murder Mystery Party?

There’s a certain kind of magic in walking into a party and immediately realizing… someone in the room is a murderer.

Murder mystery parties turn an ordinary gathering into an interactive story where everyone has a role to play. Each guest steps into the shoes of a unique character, complete with a backstory, motivations, and just enough secrets to keep things interesting. Somewhere in the mix is the culprit, and it’s up to the group to piece together clues, question each other, and uncover the truth before the mystery goes unsolved.

It doesn’t take long for the room to fill with dramatic accusations, suspicious glances, and the occasional over-the-top performance. Even the quietest guest can suddenly become deeply invested in defending their innocence, while someone else is having a little too much fun stirring the pot. That’s part of the charm—everyone gets to let loose, lean into the absurd, and fully embrace the experience.

What makes murder mystery parties stand out is how naturally they bring people together. Instead of passively watching a movie or making small talk over dinner, everyone becomes part of the action. Conversations have a purpose, laughter comes easily, and the shared goal of solving the mystery creates an energy that sticks with you long after the party ends. It’s not just a hangout—it’s a story you all get to tell together.

Hosting Your Own Party!

If hosting something like this sounds intimidating, it’s easier than you might think. Modern murder mystery kits are designed to handle the hard parts for you. They come with structured storylines, detailed character guides, and themed materials that help set the scene. Rather than building a party from scratch, you’re stepping into a fully realized world that’s ready to go as soon as your guests arrive.

Another bonus is how flexible these experiences can be. While murder mysteries might feel like a Halloween staple, they’re not limited to the spooky season. You could find yourself solving a crime at a sunny vineyard, unraveling secrets during a festive celebration, or navigating drama at a casual backyard gathering. The themes shift easily with the mood, making it a party idea that works year-round.

Join Us!

For those looking to jump right in, Gnome Games is hosting its own interactive event: Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine & Murder. Set against the backdrop of California wine country, the scene begins with a picturesque festival—rolling vineyards, flowing drinks, and good company. But the atmosphere quickly changes with the discovery of Barry Underwood, a local vineyard owner who has been missing for six years, now found hidden beneath his own wine cellar. With new clues emerging and every guest under suspicion, the group must work together to uncover what really happened. Of course, anyone could be hiding something… including you.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 PM, with entry set at $20 and space limited to just six participants. It’s an intimate, story-driven experience where every player has a part to play and every detail matters.

Publishers of Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine & Murder

The game itself comes from University Games, a company that has been creating interactive and engaging experiences since 1985. Founded by Bob Moog and Cris Lehman, the company began with a simple idea: games should bring people together through imagination and shared experiences. Their very first release, Murder Mystery Party, helped define the genre and continues to be a favorite decades later. Over the years, they’ve expanded their catalog to include a wide variety of games for all ages, all built around the same philosophy of encouraging connection, creativity, and fun. Today, their games are enjoyed around the world, but the heart of what they do remains the same—creating moments where people can gather, play, and make lasting memories.

Whether you’re hosting your own gathering or joining one already in motion, a murder mystery party offers something a little different. It’s a chance to step into a character, share a few laughs, and maybe—just maybe—get away with the perfect crime.